Nikon D3400 – Overview

Over the years of my photography I have always been inclined to go for the higher end products. This is not because of ‘need’, just because admittedly I am a Technology Snob. I do prefer to have the best I can afford.

That being said, I have never personally paid too much attention to the lower-end Nikon bodies.

The Nikon D3XXX series is the lowest DSLR level Nikon offer and a few years back I recommended the Nikon D3100 to a friend as she wanted to capture some family photos. I have shot with it and it did do a fine job compared to the equivalent generation D7000 which is what I had and this was the step up in model.

So as a photography tool, the camera works, it creates decent images and you can manually change settings and so forth.

Nothing majorly exciting…

This camera has now jumped a few generations to the D3400 and I couldn’t be less bothered by it.

I watched Jared Polin (AKA: FroKnowsPhoto) do a preview for this camera and as the title of his video suggests, this is basically a rebranded D3300.

The biggest differences that he made apparent was the Bluetooth technology for SnapBridge and the supposed ISO improvement.

The Nikon D3300 is roughly £300 (depending on retailer) and £200-£250 in the used market.

Now the Nikon D3400 is looking to be priced around £490. This is almost double the price depending how you look at it.

Nikon D3400 Sample Image From Nikon UK Press Release

Nikon D3400 Sample Image From Nikon UK Press Release

Nikon D3400 Sample Image From Nikon UK Press Release

Nikon D3400 Sample Image From Nikon UK Press Release

The above sample images are from Nikon’s website and there is no mention that I could find with regards to what lens they used on this camera as I’m almost 100% these are not from any kit lens.

Therefore my point would be that if you are currently shooting the lower end model camera, do not look to upgrade and instead invest the money into better lenses and flashes to improve your photography.

Even if you are not shooting a DSLR at the moment, I would encourage you look to purchase the older models to save some money.

Matt Granger also shares this thoughts on this camera and discusses the points about it not being the camera itself which improves your photography.

Conclusion

I personally believe that unless you’re planning on buying addition lenses to grow your photography arsenal, it’s not even worth considering a DSLR these days as the Sony RX100 line, from MK1 to MKIV, are stunning! Offering up more or less all the same functionality but in a much smaller package. The fixed lens on the RX100 I would argue can offer you the same DOF as a Cropped sensor kit lens but with superior sharpness.

However, if you are looking for an entry-level DSLR and are looking to progress into lenses, flashes etc. the Nikon D3400 is a good option, but I would opt for a previous generation model to save money and invest the difference into lenses. Especially considering the price difference between Nikon D3300 and D3400 is basically double.

2 Responses

Terrible review, bad advice about the RX100. The larger sensor DSLR is capable of much more shallow DOF, way more focal length choices, better handling, low-light abilities and much better IQ. Beginners should ignore this nonsense advice.

Hi Markus, sorry to hear that you don’t agree with my advice. I did conclude the overview saying that if you are looking to progress your kit, then a DSLR is the way to go. However, I have known many people whom have bought DSLR’s and have not progressed their gear beyond the standard 18-55mm kit lens. In addition, they tend to not use their DSLR much because it’s “too big”. Hence, my advice with the Sony RX100. I stand by my opinion with that the Sony RX100 vs. a low-end DSLR with Kit Lens will yield better IQ in most situations.

If you’re happy for me to do so, I would like to email you to notify you when the new blogpost comparing an APS-C camera and kit lens against a Sony RX100 camera.

I will be writing up a blogpost in response to your comment regardless, but would love to hear your thoughts once its up and further discussed.